Ofsted Inspection Report

We are delighted that Ofsted (June 2013) has recognised the hard work of all the pupils and staff at Hampton Court House in recent years.

Highlights of the inspection include:

‘Outstanding’ behaviour and personal development of pupils.

‘This is the result of extremely well planned and well-coordinated whole-school strategies aimed at creating a nurturing ethos that places pupils’ emotional well-being at the centre of pastoral care.

‘The staff create an orderly, yet relaxed, learning environment based on mutual respect in which pupils are treated as unique individuals and can flourish.’

‘Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary in and out of lessons. They combine high levels of attention and cooperation with a lively approach to learning, often buzzing with excitement.’

‘The provision for pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is exemplary.’

‘Outstanding’ curriculum

‘The quality of the curriculum is outstanding’.

‘In the Early Years Foundation Stage … children learn through a good balance of indoor and outdoor play which they initiate and also through activities led by adults.’

‘Reading, writing and mathematical skills are taught systematically from Nursery onwards and, by the end of Year 2 and Year 6, standards are very high.’

‘From Years 1 to 4, the bilingual curriculum is constructed around a mix of lessons taught in French and in English that successfully builds pupils’ competence in both languages and their knowledge and skills across all subject areas.’

‘There are now several strengths: the provision for bilingual education in the primary department; English, mathematics, science and information and communication technology (ICT) in the secondary department; and the linguistic, aesthetic and creative areas of learning throughout the school.’

Pupils’ achievement

‘From the Nursery to Year 4, pupils develop excellent speaking, reading and writing skills in both English and French, owing to the bilingual curriculum and the expert support of multilingual staff.’

‘By the end of Reception, children achieve or exceed the expected goals in all areas of learning.’

Quality of teaching

‘Where the teaching is outstanding, the teacher is truly inspirational and skilfully maintains a high level of challenge throughout the lesson, enabling pupils to make exceptional progress.’

‘The mostly good or outstanding lessons enable pupils to make rapid progress. Teachers have high expectations of what pupils can achieve. They ask questions and plan tasks that are designed to challenge all pupils’.

‘[Teachers] communicate enthusiasm and their dynamic style helps pupils to learn at a good pace.’

‘Detailed academic guidance or marking comments show pupils very precisely how they can attain the next level.’

Pupils’ welfare, health and safety

‘Parents and carers trust the school to keep their children safe and happy and to deal effectively with bullying.’

‘Pupils develop a strong commitment to healthy eating through the curriculum and the wide range of nutritious foods provided by the school.’

‘In the Early Years Foundation Stage, staff are deployed well to support children’s learning and welfare very effectively.’

Leadership and management

‘The senior leaders communicate their ambitious vision to all staff and have directed the changes required to improve the ethos of the school and promote pupils’ outstanding behaviour and personal development.’